How Does Wine Tasting Work?
If you’re considering attending a wine tasting, you may be unsure exactly how it works. How much wine will you be drinking? Do you need to be a sommelier to gain something from the experience, or will the average person still have fun?
Learn how wine tastings work and what you can expect below. Then, explore wine tours in Northern Virginia from Chariots for Hire.
The Ins and Outs of a Wine Tasting Experience
Attending a wine tasting is a great way to sample new wines, expand your palate, and find the perfect bottle to take home. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your wine tasting skills or just want to enjoy a night out with friends, here is what you need to know.
- Swirling and sniffing each sample: When tasting wine, start by swirling it in the glass to release aromas and oxygenate it. Then, complete a wine aroma evaluation by bringing the glass to your nose and inhaling deeply. Note any aromas you notice, such as citrus, berry, tropical, spicy, floral, or earthy.
- Tasting notes to look for: After assessing the aromas, take a small sip and let it linger for a few seconds before swallowing it. Note whether it tastes sweet or dry and assess the acidity, flavors, and aftertaste.
- Palate cleansing options:The winery may have some plain crackers or other light snacks available to cleanse your palate between samples.
- Taking note of your favorites: You may get a pen and paper from the winery to jot down your favorites or even rate them based on factors like flavor profiles and aroma. If not, be sure to take note of your favorites so you can buy a bottle.
- Using the tasting bucket: The winery may have a tasting bucket available. Don’t be afraid to spit or dump samples, even if you enjoyed them. This can allow you to try as many wines as you want without worrying about your alcohol intake.
- Trying pairing options: A wine tasting typically isn’t the place to order a five-course meal, but your winery may have a few small plates available that pair well with certain wines.
Participating in a Wine Tour
One of the most enjoyable ways to sample wines is through a wine tour, where you visit several local vineyards in an afternoon. But how does it work when you attend a wine tour vs. a single wine tasting event?
You will need to plan transportation from vineyard to vineyard to ensure the safety of your group. While asking someone to be the designated driver may be an option, it prevents one of your friends from partaking in the wine tasting experience. Instead, many groups hire transportation companies that have experience with wine tours.
Enlist Chariots for Hire for Your DMV Wine Tour
At Chariots for Hire, we provide safe, comfortable transportation for wine tours in the DMV area. We can explain how wine tasting works and safely transport you and your group from one place to another.
Contact us today at 703-790-5466 to book a reservation, then learn a few wine tasting tips to help prepare for your trip.
